Swainsona lessertiifolia

Common Name:

Coast Swainson-pea

Family:

Distribution (from Flora of Victoria):

Wannon, Victorian Volcanic Plain, Otway Plain, Otway Range, Gippsland Plain, Wilsons Promontory, East Gippsland (EKNPTZ) also SA, Tas
Map - Australasian Virtual Herbarium

Distribution and ecological preference at Wilsons Promontory (if known):

Shady coastal sites along sandy tracks, eg. the track to Darby Beach

Flower Description:

Purple with a white patch at the base ¹

Habit:

Erect perennial herb to 50 cm tall ²

Distinguishing characteristics (within family/genus):

This species has deep purple flowers in upright racemes. Leaves are divided into oval leaflets that are opposite each other. There are 13-21 leaflets per leaf ^1,2

Images:

Links to more images:

Atlas of Living Australia MELU

Links to description of this species:

VicFlora

Conservation status:

Not threatened

References:

¹ Meagher, D. and Kohout, M. (2001). “A field guide to Wilsons Promontory”. Oxford University Press, South Melbourne, Vic.
² Walsh, N. G. and Entwisle, T. J. “Flora of Victoria”, volumes 2 (1994), 3 (1996) and 4 (1999). Inkata Press, Port Melbourne, Victoria